More than 50 persons suspected criminals in Akwa Ibom State have been arrested by the Army since it launched ‘Operation Crocodile Smile 11’ three weeks ago.
Brig-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim Hassan, Commander, 2 Brigade, last weekend told journalists in Itu Local Government Area during the distribution of free exercise books and other educational materials to more than 670 pupils at Primary School, Mbak Atai.
Hassan said those arrested were kidnappers, robbers, cultists and oil vandals, among others, while the army recovered dangerous weapons from the hoodlums.
He maintained that the army had handed over the hoodlums to the police, DSS and the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps for investigation and prosecution.
Operation Crocodile Smile 11, the Commander stated, was mandated by the Army headquarters to ensure a crime-free society in the state, saying “We have been given the responsibility of ensuring that all the miscreants in our area of responsibility are flush out, while other criminal elements are given the hot chase of their lives.
“This has paid off because most of the criminals have been smoked out and sacked from their hide-outs. We also burnt many shrines in the course of our operation’’, he added.
